The Follies of a Youth by Misti Beem Jenkins

I wrote a short story for the Jane Austen Made Me Do It writing contest back in January. My story can be found at http://www.pemberley.com/bin/fic/fic.cgi; it is #14. I really enjoyed writing my story and thought it was quite good. The English classes at Overton were encouraged to read the short stories and vote for their top 3. Of course, many of them came and told me they voted for me! I had the best compliment from John Robinson when he told me that it was the best short story he's ever read and he now wanted to read Jane Austen.
The competition ended on March 1. I came in 12th in the popularity portion of the contest and missed moving on to the talent round by 2 positions. I am very sad because apparently only one vote from Overton counted because our computers are all on the same network.
After several email exchanges with a representative of the competition, I ended yesterday morning in tears at her rudeness and relief that I didn't win becuase it would have meant dealing with her even more.
I have been encouraged by several friends to make my story into a book. I'll see what the summer holds.
My favorite part of this whole process was when the non-Austen fans asked me to write about what happens to Anne and Captain Wentworth. (If you don't know, please read Jane Austen's Persuasion.)